Sarahléna Manise, Miss Namur contestant: “Behind the rain, there’s always sunshine”
Portraits Bullied at school, she went through eating disorders before regaining her confidence. Aged 18, a nursing student and Miss Namur contestant,…
Portrait · Province of Namur
Ilona
A business management student, horse rider and sponsor of a pony: at 20, she carried the Miss Namur sash all the way to the national final.
Text The info-shooting editorial team
Photos info-lux.com
Based on the article published by info-lux.com in February 2026
Ilona Di Maggio is 20 when info-lux.com meets her in February 2026. From the province of Namur, she holds the title of Miss Namur 2026 and is preparing for the Miss Belgique final, scheduled for 21 February in La Panne.
She is juggling the adventure with her business management studies.
Serious preparation
Group training sessions set the rhythm of her weeks, and the work continues at home. Ilona describes a close-knit atmosphere among the contestants and constant motivation.
Her studies give her rigour and discipline. Studying management also builds her independence and sense of responsibility, two assets for representing the province on the national stage.
Proud of her province
Wearing the Miss Namur sash makes her immensely proud. Ilona points out that you can come from a small town and still have big dreams.
She wants to highlight the province's landscapes, its warm welcome and the many local initiatives that make the area so rich.
Horse riding and a pony in Sambreville
Horse riding plays a central part in her life. A great animal lover, Ilona is actively involved in Sambreville: she sponsors a pony at a local non-profit (ASBL). Moved by the animal’s difficult past, she wanted to do something.
A message to young girls
Through her own experience, Ilona encourages the young women of Namur to believe in themselves. For her, every path matters and every difference is a strength.
The Miss Namur adventure helped her gain confidence and dare to do more. She learnt organisation, project management and public speaking, all useful skills for her future career.
Ilona’s gallery
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2026 · Contestants’ photo shoot
2026 · Miss Belgique finalist
Model profile: Ilona on info-shooting. To propose a photo shoot or casting, write to the editorial team, who will pass it on.
On info-lux.com (in French): Miss Namur 2026 > Ilona Di Maggio (February 2026).
Sources: portrait published by info-lux.com on 13 February 2026. Each photo is credited in its caption.
